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City may ban parking on Juniper

Would allow for an evaluation period while 'No Parking' signs are installed

Alamogordo Daily NewsBy John Bear, Staff Writer

Posted:
04/22/2013 09:02:35 PM MDT

The city might ban parking along a portion of Juniper as it evaluates a portion of the road it wants to widen.

A measure on Tuesday's agenda could, should it pass, allow city staff to install 10 "No Parking" signs and paint a curb line yellow along Juniper Drive in between Aspen Drive and 10th Street, according to an agenda report prepared by Public Works Director and Utilities Director Brian Cesar.

Cesar couldn't be reached for comment Monday, but the proposal would cost about $250, records show.

The city commission moved forward in March with plans to widen Juniper in between 10th Street and Aspen by removing a strip of land in between the street and sidewalks.

The project is set to cost about $1.1 million and the commission approved a $50,000 contract with an Albuquerque-based company to conduct a study related to the project.

City officials have said the street needs to be widened for public safety and catch up with increased traffic brought on by the nearby university and hospital.

Many residents in the area are angered by the city's plan, saying it will increase speeding in the area and decrease their property values.

The street is now lined with signs asking motorists to slow down. At least one sign protests the planned widening.

Contact John Bear at jbear@alamogordonews.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnbearwithme